Packers are NFC Leaders in Easiest Superior Strength of Schedule

Green Bay Packers have a big 2018 season ahead of them. They are going to be considered one of the best in the NFC because of Aaron Rodgers and the additions on both side of the football. Warren Sharp, a football analyst, takes a look at teams’ strength of schedule based on their win/loss odds from three Vegas books among other things. Sharp is a thought leader in the NFL analytic community especially when it comes to creating unique models such as this one. He likes the Packers schedule as it could play well in the NFC, thus, if you’re a betting human, it might be a good idea to pound the over this season. Here’s his analysis on the 2018 season.

8. Green Bay Packers

Depending on which way you read this article – top down or skipping ahead to see who faces the easiest slate – this will either be the final or first NFC team you read about. Indeed, the NFL’s seven easiest schedules all belong to AFC clubs, illustrating the NFC’s vast superiority. Not only is the Packers’ schedule navigable, but it’s distributed nicely. In the first six weeks, Green Bay draws just one top-ten team (Vikings) and it’s at Lambeau. The Packers have a Week 7 bye before facing the Rams. The do draw New England the following week, but it’s a Sunday night game, giving the Packers a little extra rest. From Week 9 onward, Green Bay’s slate is the second softest in football with four bottom-ten opponents, including three bottom-five clubs.

First of all, the NFC is brutal. There’s going to be some discussion about how do we balance out the leagues come November or December. Trust me, that’s going to be a topic of conversation. Second, you have to like the way Green Bay can finish off the season. They have it tailor-made for a run where they get hot heading into the playoffs. I also agree with Sharp on how the schedule lays out for the team. I never saw it as daunting and believe there’s a path where Green Bay could be win a 12 win team.